Since I will only want 8 to 10 queens would it be better to graft a bunch of extra cells and then put 2 queen cells per mating nuc. This should up my chances of getting a queen in each nuc.

The hatching rate isn't usually the factor, it is the return rate from mating flight that is.

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Doesnt take much more time to do 40 grafts than 20 and will be using splits in 5 frame nucs for mating nucs so really need queen in each one.

Time is not the issue, resources to make, feed, and build the cells is. It takes a lot more "bee" resources to produce 40 cells than 20. The numbers you are talking really doesn't make too much difference, but if it where me, I would graft 10-20% more cells than you want and only put one cell per mating nuc.

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"Opportunity is missed by most people because it comes dressed in overalls and looks like work." - Thomas Edison

What % would be normal for mated queens compared to cells placed in nucs?

There are too many factors involved and it changes continuously. Weather plays a big part in it. At times I have almost 100% and at other times I have had as low as 50% or less. I guess I would figure 75-80% to play it safe. If you have a few left over, you can make a few more nucs or find someone to take them off your hands.[/quote]

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I am trying to build up my hive numbers and hate to do splits and then not have queen to put in them.

I hear you, and like your idea. I'm not one for making walk away splits. Your better off to rear your own quality queens and then make your splits with them.

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Robo, I built a copy of your bee vac and it worked great.

Excellent, glad it is working out for you. I've had great luck with mine and I have gotten a lot of positive feedback from other folks that have built them.

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"Opportunity is missed by most people because it comes dressed in overalls and looks like work." - Thomas Edison

Someone posed a similar question at a meeting last year. A very respected and experienced beekeeper came up with the most eminently sensible reply:

"Having put all this effort into breeding a lovely new young queen, why on earth would the first thing I do to her be to put her into a 'battle to the death'.. because that's what two queens do when they meet."

.. or words to that effect.

Make a few more cells than you need, and make a few more nucs than you need. You can always knock a queen on the head and combine if you have too many.